In this article, we will explore why the phrase ‘be inclined to do’ is often used in passive voice and clarify the reasoning behind this grammatical structure. If you have ever wondered why ‘inclined’ is used in its past participle form, this article will answer your questions and provide insight into its usage in English.
1. Understanding the Phrase ‘Be Inclined To Do’
The phrase ‘be inclined to do’ refers to having a tendency or a predisposition toward doing something. It is used to express a preference or likelihood of something happening. For example, ‘She is inclined to agree with that idea’ means that she tends to agree or has a natural inclination toward agreeing.
However, it can be confusing because the phrase uses the verb ‘inclined’ in a form that looks like a past participle. The key here is understanding how the verb ‘incline’ functions in this context.
2. Why is ‘Inclined’ in the Past Participle Form?
The use of ‘inclined’ in the past participle form is not a mistake but a grammatical construction that involves turning the verb into an adjective. The passive form ‘be inclined’ helps convey the sense that the subject has a tendency toward something without specifying an active doer.
In English, some verbs can be used in passive constructions to create a more nuanced meaning. In the case of ‘be inclined,’ it suggests that the subject is influenced or affected by something, rather than actively doing the action. This is why we use the passive form ‘be inclined to do.’
3. Why Use Passive Voice in This Construction?
The passive voice often creates a more formal or objective tone. In the case of ‘be inclined to do,’ the passive form allows the focus to shift from who is causing the inclination to the fact that the subject is inclined in a particular way.
For example, in ‘He is inclined to help others,’ the focus is on his tendency to help, not on the active decision-making process. This subtle shift in focus is why we use the passive form, even though the subject is still the one expressing the tendency.
4. Is It Really Necessary to Use the Passive?
While the passive voice in ‘be inclined to do’ is grammatically correct, it is not always necessary. You can express the same meaning in an active voice, like ‘He tends to help others.’ However, the passive construction adds a layer of formality and subtlety to the sentence.
In most cases, native English speakers use the passive voice in this construction to maintain a more neutral or formal tone, especially in writing or when conveying a sense of generality.
5. Summary: Understanding the Use of Passive Voice in ‘Be Inclined to Do’
The use of the passive voice in the phrase ‘be inclined to do’ is a grammatical choice that adds nuance and formality to the expression. The past participle ‘inclined’ functions as an adjective, which is why the passive voice is used. It helps convey a tendency or predisposition without focusing on the active doer of the action. While you can use an active voice in the same context, the passive construction is often preferred for its subtlety and formality.
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